The Emergence of Classical Mythology in Renaissance Art

With previous experience serving as a neurosurgeon for the Swedish American Health System in Illinois, Melissa Macias currently practices at the Aurora Neuroscience Innovation Institute in Wisconsin. In her leisure time, Melissa Macias enjoys cultural activities in her local area and maintains a membership at the Milwaukee Art Museum. A current exhibit on display at the institution examines “Gods and Heroes: Classical Mythology in European Prints.”

This unique exhibit explores works from the Renaissance era to the early 20th century that reflect an abiding interest by artists in exploring European mythological roots. With the decline of the Roman Empire and rise of Christianity, mythological figures were pushed to the peripheries of learning, in areas such as astrology and astronomy, where constellations took mythology-derived forms. 

It was the role of 15th century Renaissance artists in Florence to bring back classical forms to ancient mythology in works that also incorporated Medieval allegory. Prominent among these was Sandro Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Sculptors from the 16th century such as Michelangelo and Correggio also found inspiration for their realistic depictions of the human body in works of classical antiquity. 

The emergence of printed works that reflected this trend began in the 16th century with numerous illustrated editions of the works of Ovid. Techniques used to illustrate the ancient Roman myths included engravings, woodcuts, and etchings and were under the direction of individuals such as George Sandys, who employed the engraver Salomon Savery and the artist Francis Clein.